Is Mountain Cooler Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. Mountain Cooler contains a short list of ingredients that seem innocent at first glance, but they hide complexities that matter to the vegan community.

Filtered Water: This is the base of the drink and is unequivocally vegan. It poses no ethical or dietary concerns.

Sugar: This is the first major flag for strict vegans. In the United States, a significant portion of white sugar is processed using bone char—a granular material made from animal bones—to bleach and purify it. Unless the manufacturer specifies that they use organic, unrefined, or beet sugar (which is never processed with bone char), there is a high probability that the sugar in Mountain Cooler is not vegan.

Apple Juice Concentrate: This provides the fruit flavor and sweetness. Apple juice is plant-based, but it is worth noting that some juice processing aids, such as gelatin or isinglass (fish bladder), are sometimes used to clarify juices. However, in a mass-market drink like Mountain Cooler, it is more likely that filtration is done via mechanical or charcoal methods rather than animal products.

Natural Flavor: This is the most ambiguous ingredient on the list. The term "natural flavor" can legally be derived from both plant and animal sources. In fruit-flavored drinks, natural flavors are often synthesized from plant sources, but they can occasionally contain dairy derivatives or be processed with animal products. Because the manufacturer is not required to disclose the source, we cannot guarantee it is 100% plant-based.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Mountain Cooler functions as a standard soft drink. It is low in fat and contains zero protein, which is expected for a fruit-flavored beverage. The primary nutritional concern is the sugar content. A single serving contains a significant amount of added sugar, contributing empty calories without providing fiber or essential micronutrients. For those monitoring their caloric intake or managing blood sugar levels, this drink should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a health beverage. It fits within the limits of a standard diet only if consumed in moderation, but it offers no functional nutritional benefits.